Odisha is the land of myths and legends; exotic and unexplored. This tour explores these aspects in this state of India that is endorsed by its ancient people who continue to inhabit their dwelling places in remote areas in deep forests and hilly interiors to keep their tribal traditions alive.
Tour Profile
We begin this tour by visiting Bhubaneswar, the city of temples, where as many as 1000 temples existed at one point of time. In the first part of our trip we visit the rural part of Odisha to see the local tribes. Odisha has as many as 62 tribes that constitute an impressive 24 percent of the total population of the state. Their economy here is based on food gathering, hunting and fishing, the activities that bind them to this forest region. The most primitive groups of Tribes which we see are Kutia Kondhs, Dongria Kondhs and Bondas. Men and women come down from the mountains with different kinds of fruits and livestock to sell in the weekly. After visiting their villages we can also watch their interaction with other communities in these weekly markets. Bondas live in the remote hills and keep themselves isolated. They are normally seen only when they come to at the local. Our visit must be timed to coincide with the weekly market day on Thursday.
We also visit the spectacular temples of Jagannath at Puri and Sun temple at Konark with very beautiful and intricate carvings. Later we reach Bhubaneswar from where we fly back in Kolkata, the city of joy which has a fascinating history that highlights its rich culture and literary flavors. The city survived even in the British era with a grace that can be seen even now. It’s a happening place where activities like fine arts, music, dance, theatre and writing continue to flourish.
Tour Highlights
- Kolkata - one of the main metropolitan and important cities of the country.
- Bhubaneswar - the capital city of Odisha and famously called as the ‘Temple City of East’.
- Bonda, Gadaba and Kutia Kondh tribes and their interesting weekly markets.
- Taptapani - a hot water spring.
- Puri – with its sacred 12th century Jagannath temple.
- Chariot-shaped Konark Sun Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata (Thursday) Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore this cultural hub of India, or relax in the hotel. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Bhubaneswar
Kolkata – Bhubaneswar (By Flight) (Friday) Transfer to airport for flight to Bhubaneswar. Later visit Bhubaneswar Lingraj Temple, holy Bindu Sarovar and Kedareshwar Temple. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar – Lalitagiri – Khandagiri – Udayagiri – Bhubaneswar (Saturday) Visit architectural heirloom of Lalitagiri, and Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves. Later return to the hotel in Bhubaneswar. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Gopalpur
Bhubaneswar – Gopalpur (Sunday) This morning drive to Gopalpur. In the afternoon visit a gorgeous temple devoted to Lord Krishna in this dazzling town. Evening can be spent on the beach. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Rayagada
Gopalpur – Rayagada (Monday) Drive to Raygada. On way visit Langia Soura. Later visit Hathipathar, an elephant-shaped rock and the attractive Kutia Kondh Tribe market. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 06 - Rayagada
Rayagada (Tuesday) Full-day sightseeing programme. Visit Minajhola and Manikeshwar Temple at Padampur; meet tribals. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 07 - Jeypore
Rayagada – Jeypore (Wednesday) Drive to Jeypore and check-in. Later visit Kali and Neelkantheswara temples. Optional visit to Jeypore Fort. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 08 - Jeypore
Jeypore – Onukudelli – Jeypore (Thursday) Visit Onukudelli and markets of Bonda, Gadaba and Didayee tribes. Return to Jeypore. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Taptapani
Jeypore – Taptapani (Friday) Drive to Taptapani – a hot-water spring; en route visit some of the other tribal communities. Later transfer to hotel for check in. Rest of the day free. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 10 - Puri
Taptapani – Chilka Lake – Puri (Saturday) Enjoy beautiful surrounding of Taptapani. Later drive to Puri; en-route visit typical South Odishan Villages, Chilka Lake. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Puri
Excursion to Konark (Sunday) Morning, visit Jagannath temple; afternoon excursion to Konark Sun Temple. Early evening drive back to Puri’s soothing beaches. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Bhubaneswar
Puri – Bhubaneswar (Monday) Morning is free to relax on the beach. Afternoon drive back to Bhubaneswar. Evening free to explore the city. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Kolkata
Bhubaneswar – Kolkata (By Flight) (Tuesday) Morning transfer to the airport to board our flight for Kolkata. After check-in visit Victoria Memorial, Episcopal Church, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Paresnath Jain Temple, Kali Temple and Botanical Garden. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Kolkata
Departure (Wednesday) Transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kolkata in order to catch flight back to respective destinations.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
